22
Why Alexander and Elizabeth took such a risk when
they were no longer young is clearly explained in the
following letter written by Alexander Thomson, August 16,
1773.
Dear Sir: I know well that after the promise I made,
you could not have thought that so much time would
pass before you had any letter from me. Indeed I did
not forget my promise, but after I had an agreeable
settlement to myself, I was desirous to have some
particular knowledge of this country before I should
undertake to write any account of it to you.
In July 1771, I and my wife and twelve went aboard
the Friendship in the harbor of Greenock.... I believe
that some of my neighbors and acquaintances
thought it strange that one of my age should forsake
his native country, but I thought I had too much
reason to do as I have done as I was blessed with
numerous family and I have had another since I left
Scotland. I was very desirous to provide for them.
All of my sons who were able to work were brought
up to the business of farming, and it was by their
labor that I was assisted to gain any money I have.
I therefore endeavored to have one or two of the
eldest of my sons settled in farms at home, and with
that in view I employed myself for the space of five
years in looking out for such farms as might answer